Mark Hamill gives magical gift to terminally ill boy

Star Wars: Last Jedi is almost here and promotional material is everywhere. Shots of the cast are currently splashed across the back of buses, the sides of buildings and the covers of magazines everywhere. The cast has appeared on a swag of late-night TV shows and radio slots too, all in a bid to promote the film.

The publicity campaign has brought back vivid memories for US dad Joe Sikorra, for it was about eight years ago when Mark Hamill, better known as Luke Skywalker, met with Joe's son John.

At the time, John was battling the last stages of juvenile Batten’s Disease. He later died from the disease.

Mark Hamill - all set to play Luke Skywalker in the latest Star Wars adventure Last Jedi. Image: Getty.

"Around 1998, my son, John, was diagnosed with a very are genetic disorder called juvenile Batten's Disease (JNCL)," Sikorra was quoted as saying in The Hollywood Reporter.

"The disease robs kids of their vision first followed by cognitive motor function. Typically kids die in their late teens, early 20s. It is a very complicated disease and most doctors aren't that familiar with it. So we lived in the moment, did as much as we could."

John was obsessed with Star Wars and watched the original trilogy every single day, revealed his dad. Being the loving parent that he is, Sikorra was desperate to do something truly special for his boy and so he reached out to his good mate Ed Solomon, the screenwriter best known for Men in Black, thinking that perhaps he could get a request through to Hamill.

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"I had never met Mark, but I called his agent and asked if this could happen," says Solomon.

"Mark's agent said, 'Please don't say anything to the boy because I don't want to get his hopes up.' And then, literally less than two minutes later, Mark calls and said, 'I would love to. How about tomorrow?' I started balling."

The following day Solomon and Sikorra, along with Sikorra's two sons met with Hamill.

Due to the advanced state of his illness, John struggled to differentiate between Hamill the person and Luke Skywalker the character at the meeting. But the actor took it in stride, recalls both Sikorra and Solomon.

"John would ask the same question three times in a row, and Mark would answer the same way every single time."

Sikorra adds, "Mark was just super patient and kind. It was was one of those beautiful experiences. It is very humbling, this disease. You have got to let go of your normal expectations for you and your kids and family. In the midst of struggle and tragedy, it was those points of connection that makes you feel loved and less isolated. Mark was very kind, 'no rush, my time is your time.'”

John died Sept. 24, 2015. He was 23.

Sikorra told the Hollywood Reporter that the meeting between his son and Luke Skywalker was a memory the family will always treasure.

A genuine star and a clear humanitarian too. Mark Hamill is one very special human. Image: Getty.

"It was one of those very touching, moving things," he says. "And in that moment, it raised John up and made him feel good and important and loved."

Reminded of the experience recently, Sikorra took to Twitter to share the memory and also his gratitude to Hamill.

"There's no sweeter sound than a child laughing-I've been so lucky-feel it's my duty 2 give back in any way I can-Much prefer visits 2 hospitals than talk-shows Heartbreaking but inspirational-makes my career seem trivial in comparison-Wish I could do more."

Sikorra says he, his wife, Lori, and Ben will see Last Jedi when it opens and will do so in memory of John.